Local Educators Prepare for New Anti-Bullying Law

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB)– Local educators are getting ready for a new anti-bullying law that is on the verge of being passed in Massachusetts.

Anti-bullying legislation has passed both the house and senate. It must be finalized by a conference committee before being sent to the governor’s desk.

The new law would prohibit bullying at school and so called cyber bullying involving e-mails and text messages.

In anticipation of a new law, Springfield School Superintendent Alan Ingram and Hampden County District Attorney William Bennett hosted a bullying prevention training seminar to help educators better understand the legislation and its implications, “It places requirements to report instances of bullying and puts responsibilities on principals to conduct investigations and then to pass information along to other authorities when it’s appropriate so it’s a whole new ball game in terms of what the law is going to require,” says Bennett.

Springfield School Superintendent Alan Ingram says his district is committed to attacking this problem through a combined effort involving students, teachers, parents, and administrators, “There are no single solutions to this issue, and I think it speaks to the need for the community to work together, this is not just a school issue, it has implications in families and homes and how we interact outside the school system.”

The main speaker for the seminar was Robin D’Antona, an anti-bullying expert. She says the Massachusetts bill is a good one, “The good news is the bill that has been crafted is excellent, it protects children and guides the schools so they can make schools safe for children.”

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